Updated November 2026
Data from the official Beelink site.
2026 verdict
Price does the talking here: the Beelink Mini S12 Pro (N100 16GB + 500GB) is the better buy of these two low-power mini PCs.
It is the cheaper box, the better rated by owners and it carries slightly more storage at 500 GB against 480 GB, with an efficient Intel N100 that suits always-on duty. The Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) is the more capable machine where it counts: a six-core Ryzen 5 5500U with Radeon graphics against a four-core N100, two Gigabit Ethernet ports, an internal 85W power supply, two HDMI outputs at 4K 60Hz and a memory ceiling of 64 GB against 16 GB. The Beelink Mini S12 Pro (N100 16GB + 500GB) is fixed at 16 GB of DDR4 and runs Windows 11 Home. Choose the Beelink Mini S12 Pro (N100 16GB + 500GB) for a cheap media box or kiosk, and the Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) if the machine has to do real work.
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| Feature | Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) | Beelink Mini S12 Pro (N100 16GB + 500GB) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $439.00 | $339.00 | Beelink Mini S12 Pro (N100 16GB + 500GB) |
| Rating | 4.3 | 4.5 | Beelink Mini S12 Pro (N100 16GB + 500GB) |
| Storage Capacity | 480 GB | 500 GB | Beelink Mini S12 Pro (N100 16GB + 500GB) |
| CPU Model | AMD Ryzen 5 5500U | Intel N100 | Different strengths |
| Memory Configuration | Dual-slot | Single-channel | Different strengths |
| GPU Model | AMD Radeon Graphics (7 CUs) | Intel UHD Graphics | Different strengths |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years | Tie |
| Memory Type | DDR4 | DDR4 | Tie |
| Memory Capacity | 16 GB | 16 GB | Tie |
What the differences mean
Processor class
The Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) runs a six-core Ryzen 5 5500U with Radeon graphics, while the Beelink Mini S12 Pro (N100 16GB + 500GB) uses a four-core Intel N100 with UHD graphics. The EQR5 is the far better multitasker; the N100 wins on power efficiency.
Memory ceiling
The Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) accepts up to 64 GB of DDR4, four times the 16 GB maximum of the Beelink Mini S12 Pro (N100 16GB + 500GB). That makes the EQR5 the only one of the pair that can grow with your workload.
Power supply
The Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) keeps its 85W supply inside the case and runs from a standard AC cable. The Beelink Mini S12 Pro (N100 16GB + 500GB) uses an external adapter, so it adds a brick behind the desk or television.
Networking
The Beelink Mini S12 Pro (N100 16GB + 500GB) has one 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, the faster single link. The Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) has two Gigabit ports, which suits a firewall or a server with a separated network.
Operating system
The Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) ships with Windows 11 Pro, while the Beelink Mini S12 Pro (N100 16GB + 500GB) comes with Windows 11 Home. Both include an HDMI cable but neither includes a VESA mount.
Which one to buy if
- you want the cheapest option for a media box or kiosk
The Beelink Mini S12 Pro (N100 16GB + 500GB) costs less and draws little power for always-on use.
- you run several applications or virtual machines
The Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) has a six-core Ryzen 5 and memory that reaches 64 GB.
- you want a single fast 2.5 Gigabit link
The Beelink Mini S12 Pro (N100 16GB + 500GB) has a 2.5 Gigabit port, while the EQR5 tops out at Gigabit.
- you want two wired networks for a firewall build
The Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) is the only one of the two with two Ethernet ports.
- you need the Pro edition preinstalled
The Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) ships with Windows 11 Pro rather than Home.
$439.00
- - Price: $439.00 vs $339.00
- - Rating: 4.3 vs 4.5
Winner
$339.00
- + Price: $339.00
- + Rating: 4.5
- + Storage Capacity: 500 GB
What owners say
Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) owners rate it highly for two roles: an everyday Windows desktop and an always-on home server. They describe it as quiet to silent in daily use, appreciate the built-in 85W supply that leaves no brick behind, and like that it boots quickly with little preinstalled software. Home-lab owners report running Proxmox with several virtual machines, Docker containers and multiplayer game servers, helped by the dual Gigabit ports, the 64 GB memory ceiling and the free second M.2 slot. Their warnings are that BIOS updates are hard to find, that a clean Windows install may need a product key from Beelink, and that the older processor has basic integrated graphics and no USB4 or DisplayPort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) or Beelink Mini S12 Pro (N100 16GB + 500GB)?
The Beelink Mini S12 Pro (N100 16GB + 500GB) wins on price, owner rating and storage, which makes it the better buy for light duty. The Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) is the more capable machine for real work, with a six-core processor, 64 GB memory support and two Ethernet ports.
What is the biggest difference between the Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) and the Beelink Mini S12 Pro (N100 16GB + 500GB)?
Processor and memory. The Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) has a six-core Ryzen 5 5500U and takes 64 GB, while the Beelink Mini S12 Pro (N100 16GB + 500GB) is a power-efficient four-core N100 capped at 16 GB.
Is the Beelink Mini S12 Pro (N100 16GB + 500GB) good as a home media server?
Yes, that is its role. The efficient N100, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, dual 4K HDMI output and auto power on suit an always-on media box. The Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) is the better host if you also want virtual machines or more memory.
Can either memory be upgraded?
The Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) can be upgraded to 64 GB across two SODIMM slots. The Beelink Mini S12 Pro (N100 16GB + 500GB) is fixed at 16 GB with no growth path.
Who should buy the Beelink Mini S12 Pro (N100 16GB + 500GB)?
Buyers who want a cheap, quiet, low-power box for media playback, light office work or a kiosk, and who can live with 16 GB of memory.
Who should buy the Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB)?
Anyone who needs a full desktop or home server for multitasking, virtualization and 4K output across two monitors, with room to add memory and a second drive.
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